Yad VaJerusalemhem Volume 77, May 2015

New Exhibition Stars Without a Heaven Children in (pp. 16-17)

Yad Vashem Marks 70 Years Since VE Day (pp. 2-5) Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day 2015 The Anguish of Liberation and the Return to Life: 70 Years Since the End of WWII (pp. 6-10) Yad VaJerusalemhem Contents Volume 77, Iyar 5775, May 2015 Yad Vashem Marks 70 Years Since VE Day ■ 2-3 Published by: Yad Vashem Fighting for Freedom ■ 4-5 The Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Artifacts from Jewish Soldiers in the Allied Armies Remembrance Authority ■ ■ The Anguish of Separation 5 Children and their Rescuers Leah Goldstein Chairman of the Council: Rabbi Meir Lau Vice Chairmen of the Council: The Anguish of Liberation and Dr. Yitzhak Arad the Return to Life: 70 Years Since Dr. Moshe Kantor ■ On 8 May 2015, the world marked the 70th the End of WWII ■ 6 Prof. Elie Wiesel The Central Theme for Holocaust Martyrs’ and anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day – the Chairman of the Directorate: Avner Shalev Heroes’ Remembrance Day 2015 day on which capitulated and Director General: Dorit Novak victory was celebrated by the Allied armies Head of the International Institute for Holocaust Torchlighters 2015‏ ■ 7 and millions of people worldwide. Amongst Research and Incumbent, John Najmann Chair Holocaust Remembrance Day 2015 ■ 8-9 the Allied forces, including the US, Russia, Great for Holocaust Studies: Prof. Dan Michman Britain, Canada and South Africa, as well as the Chief Historian: Prof. Dina Porat Education ■ 10-13 Polish Army and the Jewish Brigade, were some Academic Advisor: Educational Programs for Holocaust Remembrance Prof. Yehuda Bauer 1.5 million Jewish fighters and military personnel Day Focus on the Anguish of Liberation and the who served on all fronts in Europe and the Pacific. Members of the Yad Vashem Directorate: ■ 10 Yossi Ahimeir, Michal Cohen, Return to Life In many cases, the percentage of fighting Matityahu Drobles, Abraham Duvdevani, EU Delegation Seeks Further Cooperation ■ 11 was greater than the percentage of Jews in that Prof. Boleslaw (Bolek) Goldman, country’s population. Vera H. Golovensky, Moshe Ha-Elion, Furthering in Italy ■ 11 Adv. Shlomit Kasirer, Yossi Katribas, A state ceremony marking 70 years since the Yehiel Leket, Effi Shtensler, Baruch Shub, Christian Leaders Enrich Their Knowledge end of the war was held on 7 May by the Museum of Dalit Stauber, Dr. Zehava Tanne, of the Holocaust ■ 11 the Jewish Solider in WWII at the “Yad Lashiryon” Adv. Shoshana Weinshall, Dudi Zilbershlag Armored Corps Memorial at Latrun – located in New Schools Join ICHEIC Partner Network ■ 11 THE MAGAZINE central Israel – in cooperation with Yad Vashem. Graduate Spotlight ■ 12 Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Editor-in-Chief: Iris Rosenberg Delfina Casalderrey, Portugal Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Managing Editor: Leah Goldstein Russian-Speaking Na'ale Students Connect Moshe Yaalon addressed some 6,000 attendees, Editorial Board: to the Past ■ 12 Yifat Bachrach-Ron Deborah Berman Youth Movement Congress Marks Ten Years ■ 13 Marisa Fine Dana Porath Holocaust Remembrance Day 2015 – Susan Weisberg Educational Materials ■ 13 Cynthia Wroclawski Estee Yaari Seminar for Community Leaders from Latin-America, Editorial Coordinator: Lilach Tamir-Itach Spain and Portugal ■ 13 Language Editor: Leah Goldstein “I Have Survived, I Have Lost Everything” ■ 14 Proofreader: Ezra Olman First Letters after Liberation Translated by: Dr. Juliana Brown, James Joseph Mclntosh “I Cried Once More When I Got Your Letter” ■ 15 ■ Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev (left) and Assisted by: Alexander Avram, The Story of Brothers Henry and Menni Stern Chairman of the Association for Establishing the Shaya Ben Yehuda, Inbal Kvity Ben-Dov, Museum of the Jewish Soldier in WWII Maj. Gen (Res.) New Exhibition ■ 16-17 Ayala Peretz, Amanda Smulowitz, Haim Erez light the memorial torch at the ceremony. Martin Sykes-Haas Stars Without a Heaven: including WWII veterans, survivors, students and Photography: Yossi Ben-David, Sarit Bruno, Children in the Holocaust Isaac Harari youth group members. During the ceremony, the Yad Vashem Online ■ 18 Production: Ahva Printing Press Company Ltd. memorial torch was lit by Yad Vashem Chairman The Death March to Volary Avner Shalev and Chairman of the Association Design: Stephanie & Ruti Design ■ 19 for Establishing the Museum of the Jewish Soldier This magazine was published with the “We Believed We Were the Only Ones” assistance of The Azrieli Group. Teacher from Moscow Discovers Family in Israel in WWII Maj. Gen. (Res.) Haim Erez. In the lead-up to VE Day 2015, Yad Vashem News ■ 20-24 ISSN 0793-7199 launched an online exhibition, “Fighting for ©Articles appearing in this issue may be reprinted Friends Worldwide ■ 25-31 Freedom,” featuring original artifacts, photographs with proper acknowledgement. The International Institute for Holocaust and letters housed at Yad Vashem that belonged to Yad Vashem’s activities are supported by Research: Publications ■ 32 Jewish soldiers fighting in the Allied Forces (see the Ministry of Education pp. 4-5). The exhibition is generously supported by the Genesis Philanthropy Group. and the Claims Conference On 6 May, a symposium marking VE Day was held at Yad Vashem’s International Institute for ■ On the cover: Dolls from the new exhibition, "Stars Without a Heaven: Children in the Holocaust Research. Speakers at the symposium 2 Holocaust" (pp. 16-17) included Prof. Shlomo Avineri of the Hebrew Yad Vashem Marks 70 Years Since VE Day

by the Germans, or declared missing during the battles defending – 11,000 alone in the defense of . Thousands of Jews later served in various Polish armies fighting with the Allies against the Germans. About 30,000 Jews served in the British Army in 1939-1946, some in special units of Jews from

Photograph: Yaron Harel Yaron Photograph: , such as the Jewish Brigade, which was formed in 1944 and helped liberate Italy in 1945. The Brigade was composed of 5,000 soldiers. The Zionist flag was chosen as its banner — making it not the first Jewish unit to fight in the war, but the first one to be recognized as representing the Jewish people. At the war’s end, members of the Jewish Brigade helped prepare Displaced Persons for “illegal” immigration to Mandatory Palestine (see “New Online Exhibition," below). The British disbanded the Jewish Brigade in July 1946.

New Online Research ■ State ceremony marking 70 years since VE Day at the Armored Corps Memorial at Latrun Project: Jews in the University of Jerusalem, Yad Vashem researcher Union; approximately 120,000 were killed in Red Army, 1941–1945 Dr. Joel Zisenwine and former Deputy Director combat and in the line of duty, and the Germans ■ of the Yad Vashem Museums Division and murdered 80,000 as prisoners of war. More than From 1941 to 1945, between 350,000 Senior Art Curator Yehudit Shendar. 160,000 Jewish Red Army fighters, at all levels and 500,000 Jews served in various roles Approximately 550,000 Jewish soldiers of command, earned citations, with over 150 in the Red Army. The accounts of 100 of fought in the US Armed Forces during WWII. designated “Heroes of the ”— the these men and women are included in a Some 10,000 were killed in combat, and more highest honor awarded to soldiers in the Red Army special online project conducted by the than 36,000 received citations. Many Jewish (see “New Online Research Project," right). International Institute’s Center for Research soldiers took part in liberating the camps. In the Polish army, formed to resist the German on the History of Soviet Jews during the From 1941-1945, some 500,000 Jewish invasion, there were approximately 100,000 Jews. Holocaust. The project, viewable on Yad soldiers fought in the Red Army of the Soviet Some 30,000 Jews fell in battle, were taken captive Vashem’s website, highlights those who received formal recognition, primarily as “Heroes of the Soviet Union,” for their New Online Exhibition: military achievements. These were officers DP Camps and Hachsharot in Italy after the War and privates, tank crew members and pilots, translators, doctors and nurses – men and th ■ Before the end of WWII and in its exhibition marking the 70 anniversary of women of all ages. The stories tell about immediate aftermath, the victory over Nazi Germany tells the story their prewar experiences as members of encountered soldiers from Eretz Israel of some 70,000 survivors who lived in Italy the intelligentsia, their professional careers serving with the British Army and Yishuv during 1945-1951, in over 30 DP camps and and – for those who survived the war – their emissaries on Italian soil. Italy became a approximately 45 kibbutzim and hachsharot experiences of postwar life, allowing for a main waystation on the survivors’ journey (pioneer training collectives). While there, better understanding of the effect the war to Eretz Israel, initially in the Displaced the survivors began the process of returning had on Jewish Red Army personnel and Persons (DP) camps where they stayed, to life in all areas of religion, culture and casting light on their Jewish identity and and then as a point of departure for the education, while coping with the enormity of their reactions to the Holocaust. ships carrying immigrants – both legal their loss. Some 50,000 survivors who lived The “Jews in the Red Army, 1941-1945” and illegal – to the Holy Land. Through in the camps in Italy went on to immigrate online research project is generously supported survivor testimony, original artifacts and to Eretz Israel. by the Blavatnik Family Foundation. photographs and related texts, a new online 3 70 Years Since VE Day Fighting for Freedom

Artifacts from Jewish Soldiers in the Allied Armies Sara Shor

■ Assortment of items belonging to Jewish soldiers who fought with the Allies during WWII. Yad Vashem Artifacts Collection

■ Marking 70 years since VE Day, presented the war, in a village in ■ Marius Garb, a Jewish here are a small selection of items from the vicinity of Aachen, a soldier in the South Yad Vashem's Artifacts Collection related German villager, looking African Army, participated to Jewish soldiers who fought against the among the American in the decisive battle Nazis – items that tell the singular combat troops for a Jewish soldier, of El Alamein. When stories of these soldiers who, while advancing was directed to Schonfeld. the enemy’s lines were with their armies and pushing the German The man held a box of broken, and the German army back, were exposed to the destruction jewelry that had belonged Army pulled back, Garb of European Jewry that took place under to his Jewish neighbor, a jeweler who specialized found a Nazi flag in an abandoned German German occupation: in carving ivory, who had been deported to the jeep and inscribed on it: “Taken on 5 November camps and presumably murdered. The villager 1942, behind the El Alamein lines." Garb kept ■ David Murin, a Jewish was now intent on returning the jewelry to the flag as a symbol of the Allied victory and soldier in the Red Army, Jewish hands. Schonfeld refused to take the box the defeat of the German army. found a torn piece of a but agreed to take one bracelet. One bead from Torah scroll parchment ■ Included in the ranks the bracelet remains. on the ground in Rozisce, of the various armies Poland, when his unit were a number of Jewish entered the town. Murin The man held a box of women, among them, retrieved the parchment – jewelry that had belonged Ernestina-Yadja (Minz) a tangible memento of the rich Jewish life that Krakowiak (today Edna had existed and now lay in ruins – and kept it to his Jewish neighbor, a Peled). Krakowiak joined safe in his army backpack throughout the war, jeweler who specialized the Polish division of the even at the height of battle. Only when Murin Red Army established by returned to Riga after the war did he discover in carving ivory. The Wanda Wasilewska, serving in an artillery division that he was the sole survivor of his family. villager was now intent on as a typist. She was one of two women in her unit who participated in many battles, among ■ David Schonfeld, born in Boston, enlisted in them the liberation of Warsaw and the occupation the US forces in 1943 and fought in Belgium, returning the jewelry to of Berlin. For her participation, Krakowiak was France and the Netherlands. At the end of Jewish hands awarded both Polish and Soviet medals.

www.yadvashem.org for the expanded online exhibition "Fighting for Freedom," featuring 4 collections artifacts belonging to Jewish soldiers in the Allied Forces during WWII The Anguish of Separation Children and their Rescuers Irena Steinfeldt

■ In 1942, three-year-old Bernard Tuch of Antwerp, Belgium, was brought to the home of the Willems family, who lovingly sheltered and cared for him. After liberation, when they learned that his parents had not survived, Bernard’s uncle came to reclaim the little boy. However, Bernard refused to leave the home of his rescuers. The uncle, who wished to be united with the only other survivor of their family, turned to the courts, ■ Bernard Tuch, a child in hiding, 1943. Yad Vashem and the family was forced to restore the child to Photo Archives his relative. Bernard later recalled how his uncle, family to which they had become accustomed. who thought it best for the child to sever all ties Moreover, the challenge of rebuilding a new with the Willemses, refused to give them access to life was enormous: Surviving parents returned him. Sadly, a short time later, Bernard’s uncle – a from the war bruised and penniless, whereas young and traumatized survivor himself – found the rescuing family could provide warmth, love it too difficult to care for him, and regretfully and stability. Many children ran away to return brought him to an orphanage. In his testimony, to the homes of their rescuers, viewing them as Bernard Tuch laconically describes the painful their “real” family. transition: “From a loving Catholic Flemish The case of Jan and Wilhelmina Strating home, I arrived at an unfamiliar, French-speaking from the Netherlands is exceptional. This Jewish orphanage.” ■ childless couple hid Samuel de Leeuw Moshe Lersky, a soldier in the Polish division Bidding farewell to their rescuer families of the Red Army, was among the units that (b. 1941) in their home in Heerlen. After the war, after the war exacted a high price not only from Samuel’s mother, Elizabeth, came to reclaim liberated Majdanek. Lersky, who had participated the children, but also from the rescuers who had in the battles to free cities and towns in eastern cared for them for months and often years. In Some rescuers refused Poland, now came face-to-face with the horrors many cases, the ties between the benefactors and of the extermination of his fellow Jews. On a those they saved developed into a profoundly to return the children, pile of clothes, Lersky found a prayer shawl and close relationship, with the shared experience believing with all their prayer book that had belonged to one of the during the Holocaust period fusing them into a victims and took them with him, keeping them cohesive family unit. hearts that the parents, safe and finally bringing them with him upon There were also cases in which rescuers and would be unable to give immigrating to Israel. survivors cut off all ties because one side or the ■ Among the soldiers other could not bear to experience the excruciating the children a warm home of the Jewish Brigade of pain of separation again. In certain cases, there or raise them properly the British Army, made were disputes, including legal ones, related to up of fighters from pre- the continued custody of children. Some rescuers her child. The three adults decided that Samuel state Israel, was Shmuel refused to return the children, believing with all would have three parents. He would live with Gafnavicius (Gafni). In their hearts that the parents, due to the traumas his mother in Amsterdam, but that Jan and the letters he wrote to his that they had experienced, would be unable to give Wilhelmina would share all family events and sister in Israel at the end the children a warm home or raise them properly. enjoy Samuel’s visits. of the war, Gafnavicius describes his attempts When no family members survived, the rescuers In many cases, however, it was only decades to discover the fate of their other sister, who could not understand why the child should be raised after the end of the war and the anguish of parting had remained in Kovno. Regarding the end of in an institution at a time when they themselves after liberation, that survivors revisited their past, the war, he wrote: “I celebrated the ‘holiday could offer him or her a loving family. and once again sought out contact with their of liberation' in the ‘comfort' of the wagons Even when the children were returned rescuers. Many of them still turn today to the of a freight train, but we received suitable to the Jewish world, some children found it Department of the Righteous Among the Nations compensation when, at each station, we met extremely difficult. Sometimes, they still had a at Yad Vashem with requests to recognize their trainloads of German prisoners-of-war who faint memory of their original family; in other rescuers, lest their inspirational and exceptional stared at our flags with their Stars of David as cases, parents or relatives suddenly reappeared kindness be forgotten forever. we traveled towards their country." in the child’s world as complete strangers. The author is Director of the Righteous Among the The upheaval was terrible – for a second time, The author is Collections Manager in the Artifacts Nations Department. Department, Museums Division. children were forcibly cut off from the life and righteous 5 The Anguish of Liberation and the

Return to Life: 70 Years The Central Theme for Holocaust Martyrs’ and Since the End of WWII Heroes’ Remembrance Prof. Dina Porat Day 2015

How would the survivors be The Kielce pogrom became a turning point in the history of She’erit Hapleita, as the surviving able to go back to living a remnant as Holocaust survivors began to be normal life, to build homes known. A mass migration entitled Habricha (The Escape) saw as many Jews as possible finding and families? And having their way to territories controlled by British and US troops in Germany, as a step before survived, what obligation leaving Europe. These refugees joined the tens did they bear towards of thousands of Jewish survivors liberated in Central Europe, and together they amassed in those who had not? the DP camps across Germany, Austria and Italy. Oftentimes, these camps were established at the on German soil and in other countries, were in sites of former Nazi concentration camps, among a severely deteriorated physical condition and them Bergen-Belsen and Buchenwald. a state of emotional shock. Others emerged for The activities of She’erit Hapleita in the the first time from various places of hiding and DP camps were a powerful expression of the shed the false identities they had assumed, or survivors’ efforts to return to life after the war. surfaced from units in whose ranks they They formed new families and an independent had fought for the liberation of Europe. In the leadership, set up educational and foster-care wake of international agreements signed at the facilities for children and youth, published end of the war, some 200,000 additional Jews dozens of newspapers and magazines, collected ■ Farsleben, Germany, 13 April 1945: Moment testimonies on the fate of Jews during the of liberation by the US Army of a transport began to make their way back west from the carrying some 2,500 prisoners from Bergen- Soviet Union, where they had fled and managed Holocaust, and became a significant factor in Belsen to Theresienstadt. Credit: US Army, to survive the war years. the Zionist movement’s international aspirations Major Clarence Benjamin, 743rd Tank Battalion towards the establishment of a Jewish state. of the 30th Infantry Division. Major Benjamin With the advent of liberation, piercing About two-thirds of the survivors who chose stopped fighting the Germans and went with his questions arose in the minds of the survivors: troops to liberate this train. Source: Matthew How would they be able to go back to living a not to remain in Europe after the war set their sights Rozell, teachinghistorymatters.com normal life, to build homes and families? And on Eretz Israel. Yet going to Israel was a formidable Collection of the United States Holocaust Memorial struggle, in view of the policies imposed by the Museum. Courtesy: Dr. Gross having survived, what obligation did they bear towards those who had not? The overwhelming British Mandate that barred them from entering. As part of the effort to break through the borders and ■ On 8 May 1945, when the defeated Germans majority of survivors took no revenge on the prohibitions, the illegal immigration movement – finally capitulated to the Allied Forces, great Germans, but set out on a path of rehabilitation, Ha’apala – was organized, whereby survivors joy spread throughout the world. Throughout rebuilding and creativity, while commemorating boarded old vessels in various Mediterranean ports the European continent, barely freed from the the world that was no more. and sailed for Eretz Israel. The remaining third of clutches of the Nazi regime, military parades During the Holocaust, many Jews lived with the survivors immigrated to the US, Latin America, and celebrations followed one another in close the feeling that they were the last to survive. South Africa, Canada and Australia. succession. Yet one group of people did not take Nevertheless, after liberation, survivors went far and Ha’apala, as well as immigration to other part in the general euphoria – the Jews of Europe. wide in search of family members, friends and loved countries, was a pivotal stage in the survivors’ For them, victory had come too late. ones who might also have stayed alive, against postwar recovery process. Holocaust survivors The day of liberation, the one for which all odds. Many decided to go back to their prewar contributed, each in their own way, to building every Jew had longed throughout the years of homes, but they encountered utter destruction. In a better world for themselves, for their children the Holocaust, was for most a day of crisis and some places, especially in Eastern Europe, Jews and for future generations that would never know emptiness, a feeling of overwhelming loneliness met with severe outbreaks of antisemitism – more the horrors of the Holocaust. As survivor Riva as they grasped the sheer scale of the destruction than1,000 Jews were murdered in the initial postwar Chirurg, who lost dozens of family members in on both the personal and communal level. Some years by the locals. The most appalling episode the Lodz and at Auschwitz, said: “If more six million Jews had been murdered – about was the Kielce pogrom – a violent attack in July than 20 people, second and third generation, one-third of world Jewry, and those who had 1946 by Polish residents against their Jewish gather around my Pesach Seder table, I know I survived were scattered throughout Europe: Tens neighbors – in which 42 Jews were murdered, have done my share.” of thousands of survivors of the camps and the some of them the sole survivors of entire families, death marches, liberated by the Allied armies and many others were injured. The author is Chief Historian of Yad Vashem. 6 Torchlighters Compiled by Ehud Amir 2015

■ This year, Yad Vashem’s honored became the subjects of October 1943, they were torchlighters reflected the strong will to brutal experimentation caught and deported to survive until liberation and rebuild their lives by the infamous Dr. Terezin. Under terrible afterwards, despite their incredible traumas Mengele, but maintained conditions, Eggi formed and hardships: their human dignity by a cooperative group with supporting each other three friends, sharing Avraham Harshalom was born in 1925 in throughout their ordeal. food and clothing. In the town of Pruzhany in Poland (today ) Surviving a death march April 1945, Eggi was to Cyra and Mozes. Avraham escaped death at against all odds, the liberated with a group Auschwitz by pretending he was older than brothers were liberated in May 1945. After of Danish Jews in a deal brokered by Count he really was, and after Menashe succumbed to his injuries, Moshe Bernadotte. After recuperating in Sweden, one failed escape attempt changed his name to Ephraim in memory of his Eggi visited his sister in England. In 1951, he managed to blend in with brother, after the sons of the biblical Joseph. arrived in Israel. Eggi gives his testimony in Polish prisoners sent to Ephraim reached Israel in 1948, serving in schools across Israel. various labor camps. the Hagana and Palmach. Having lost the use During an evacuation, he of his vocal chords as a result of Mengele’s Shela (Rachel) Altaraz was born in 1934 and two friends ran away experiments, today he tells his life story through in Štip, Macedonia, to David Sion and Dudun. and were eventually the aid of a speaking device. Shela’s older sister Bella managed to escape hidden in Prague by a the family’s deportation woman later recognized as Righteous Among Sara Weinstein née Chait was born to to Treblinka, taking her the Nations. Avraham joined the Underground Benjamin and Miriam in 1935 in the town little sister Shela with her. and fought against the retreating Germans, of Stepan, Poland (today Ukraine). During After Bella took her own and was decorated as a Czech hero. He served the ghetto’s liquidation, Sara, her parents life, Shela found work in the Israel Air Force during the War of and some of her siblings as a housekeeper, and Independence. were given shelter by a then took sanctuary in a family friend. This friend Muslim village. She was Dov Shimoni (né Erwin Schwarz) was born and his wife, along with caught and transferred to in Budapest, Hungary in 1919 to Moshe and Sara’s mother, were later a concentration camp for political prisoners. Gizela. During WWII, Dov worked tirelessly murdered by Ukrainian Shela was the only child in the camp; at night to set up and run hospitals for the Jewish sick villagers. Sara fled to the she would wake up screaming from nightmares and injured. He managed forest with her father and to recruit maintenance her remaining siblings, After liberation, she was workers and orderlies, where they remained for who brought food and two years in extremely difficult conditions. cared for by other female medicine into the ghetto After liberation, Sara's father was murdered survivors and spent four and took patients out of by local Ukrainians, and Sara and her sisters it. After liberation, Dov were taken into children’s homes. She arrived years in an orphanage, set about restoring the in Israel in 1947, and served in the IDF. Today Jewish hospital in the she tells her story to students, IDF units and where she finally allowed city, and managed health institutions in Hungary. youth groups. She is active in Amcha, a support herself to cry In 1949, Dov immigrated to Israel. He worked organization for Holocaust survivors, which at a military hospital (now Tel Hashomer) and she calls her “second home.” about what she witnessed there. After liberation, then in managerial capacities at hospitals and she was cared for by other female survivors health care organizations. Eggi (Ernst-Günther) Lewysohn was and spent four years in an orphanage, where born in 1924 in Breslau, Germany (now she finally allowed herself to cry. Shela arrived Ephraim (Moshe) Reichenberg was Wrocław, Poland) to Georg-Josef and Käte. Just in Israel in 1949. She served as a medic in the born in 1927 in the town of Pápa, Hungary to before the war, Eggi’s Youth Aliya group was army, and then worked as a nurse in Jerusalem Avraham and Mahala. On arrival at Auschwitz, sent to Denmark, where they went to work on and at a WIZO children’s home. he and his brother Menashe pretended they various farms. Once a week, the group met and The author is Content Editor of the Internet were twins to escape the gas chambers. They studied Hebrew, Jewish history and Zionism. In Department, Communications Division. torchlighters 7 Holocaust Remembrance Day Limor Karo

■ Snapshots from the range of activities and educational projects held at Yad Vashem marking Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day 2015

■ Some 2,600 people – Holocaust survivors from prayers, and singer Avraham Tal and actors Amos ceremony took place in the Hall of Remembrance, Israel and abroad, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Tamam and Anya Bukstein presented the artistic moderated by Director of the Hall of Names IDF soldiers and youth from around the world – portions of the evening, including passages from Dr. Alexander Avram. Many members of the participated in the State Opening Ceremony for memoirs written by Holocaust survivors describing public commemorated their loved ones and others Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day the moment of liberation. murdered in the Holocaust by reciting their names on Wednesday 15 April, under the banner “The out loud. The ceremony was also conducted in ■ The inclement weather did not deter the hundreds Anguish of Liberation and the Return to Life: 70 Israel’s Knesset (parliament) building, where of participants at the following morning’s Wreath- Years Since the End of WWII.” At the ceremony, ministers, members of Knesset and visitors all Laying Ceremony. Some 130 wreaths were laid on the President and Prime Minister addressed participated in the national effort to remember the floor of the Hall of Remembrance, including the audience, and six torches were lit (see p. 7) those lost during the Shoah. official wreaths and those laid by survivor, veteran representing the six million Holocaust victims. and public organizations. ■ Later in the day, the Main Memorial Ceremony On behalf of the survivors, Hana Meiri told the was conducted in the Hall of Remembrance, story of her childhood under the shadow of a lost ■ Immediately following the wreath-laying, the during which the Eternal Flame was rekindled identity. The Chief Rabbis of Israel led the memorial annual “Unto Every Person There is a Name” 8 For the first time, the thousands of visitors to Yad Vashem went "behind the scenes" to view films, documents, artworks and artifacts from its Collections – all presented by experts 2015 in their fields

Mini-Site for Holocaust Remembrance Day ■ As in years past, Yad Vashem launched a mini-site marking Holocaust Remembrance Day with a variety of related online resources for the public, including the central theme, photo galleries of the official events, the stories and videos of the torchlighters, educational materials, names for name- reading ceremonies, related online exhibitions and “Snapshots of Memory” – images of the Yad Vashem campus throughout the day. and prayers recited. Archives Director and Fred Safra Lecture Hall in conjunction with the Ministry Hillman Chair for Holocaust Documentation of Education’s Youth and Social Administration, Dr. Haim Gertner moderated the event. hundreds of youth movement members and representatives of youth councils listened attentively ■ This year, for the first time, the thousands of to the testimony of Holocaust survivor Mordechai visitors to Yad Vashem during the day were able Czechanower. Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev to go “Behind the Scenes” into the everyday work and the Ministry of Education’s Director-General of the Remembrance Authority. At a number of Michal Cohen also addressed the audience. The stations throughout the campus, they heard lectures, Yad Vashem Candelabra was lit by survivor saw films and viewed documents, artworks and Aryeh Milrad, accompanied by youth movement artifacts from the Yad Vashem Collections – all representatives, and Shenhav Mizrachi of “Maccabi presented by experts in their fields. Youth" spoke on behalf of all the movements. ■ At the Youth Movement Ceremony, which was The author works in the Commemoration and Public held towards the end of the day in the Edmond J. Relation Division. 9 Education Educational Programs for Holocaust Remembrance Day Focus on the Anguish of Liberation and the Return to Life Miri Bar, Tamar Don, Daphna Galili, Daniel Goldblatt, Merav Janou and Yochi Nissani “Mu-zika” Reaches 4,000 Youths in Ashdod ■ During the week of Holocaust Remembrance Day, the city of Ashdod hosted a series of ten performances from the project “Mu-zika: Ashdod Youth Sing Songs of the Holocaust.” “Mu-zika" enables youths from different artistic backgrounds to encounter the Holocaust in informal ways, and express themselves in a process of musical creation. Young people who find music a powerful means of expression composed, arranged and performed songs, whose lyrics were written by poets who survived the Holocaust and other members of their generation. In keeping with this year’s theme, the songs expressed the complex process of returning to life after WWII. ■ Some 4,000 young people watched performances of "Mu-zika: Ashdod Youth Sing Songs of the Holocaust" Preparations for the show included a for Holocaust Remembrance Day 2015 seminar at Yad Vashem, during which the with cartoonist and illustrator Michel Kichka Holocaust Remembrance Day, the students participants studied major periods of the about his book Second Generation: Things and the survivors documented in their artwork Holocaust and discussed issues concerning the I Never Told My Father; and a musical and came to Yad Vashem, where they explained shaping of remembrance. A musical producer, theater performance. the project to different educational groups a vocal development teacher and various who visited that day. professionals accompanied the learning and creative process. “Memory through the Lens”: Approximately 4,000 youths from the city A Joint Project with ORT Postcards of Memory of Ashdod watched the performances, including ■ A few years ago, the International School for schoolchildren and youth movement members, ■ In the lead-up to Holocaust Remembrance Holocaust Studies and the Faculty of Graphic who also took part in preparatory workshops Day, Yad Vashem’s Family Plaza featured Design at the Neri Bloomfield School of Design ahead of the show. an exhibition entitled “Memory through the and Education in Haifa teamed up in a joint Lens,” displaying photographs of Holocaust project in which junior-year students design Special Program for “Masa” survivors. Accompanying texts dealt with the a series of postcards about the Holocaust. This survivors’ memories from the end of the war Participants year, the students designed their entries with and their lives today, corresponding to this inspiration from Yad Vashem’s annual theme, ■ Some 2,600 young adults – including 1,000 year’s annual theme: “The Anguish of Liberation marking 70 years since the end of WWII. “Our participants of the Jewish Agency’s “Masa” and the Return to Life.” The exhibition was work deals with the complexity of remembrance: work/study programs for Jewish youth from created by 10th - through 12th - grade students how survivors dealt with the memory of their abroad – took part in special programs at the from ORT Israel schools, who interviewed lives before the Holocaust, and the void facing International School for Holocaust Studies Holocaust survivors in their communities after them as they rebuilt their lives afterwards,” said on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, attending special seminars at Yad Vashem to students Hadar Mizrahi and Mor Glick. “The before attending the State Opening Ceremony enrich their knowledge about the Holocaust postcards illustrate various ways of coping and in Square. Activities included era as well as hone their interviewing skills. the different outlooks among survivors.” meetings with Holocaust survivors, workshops, In a series of meetings with photographer Another two students, Yasmin Weizmann and a discussion on Holocaust remembrance Yaron Ben-Horin, the youths studied elements and Galit Steinberg, noted that they sought to in the 21st century. The following day, the of the art of photography: technique, editing, deal with two tiers in their design: the person School organized meetings with artists and composition, and more. before the war and the person they became academics, who shared their thoughts on “The ‘Memory through the Lens’ exhibition afterwards. “We wanted to express the rupture Holocaust remembrance today. The unique is the product of a moving and fascinating and handle the questions that arose in its wake,” program included a screening and discussion encounter between young people and Holocaust they explained. of the film The Matchmaker with director survivors living among them,” said Masha Avi Nesher and the film Torn with Holocaust Pollak-Rozenberg, Director of the International The authors work in the Guiding Department, International School for Holocaust Studies. survivor Prof. Jakub Weksler; a discussion School’s Study Seminars Department. On 10 EU Delegation Seeks Further Cooperation ■ In March 2015, a delegation of the Mission for perpetuating the memory of the Shoah might be expanded in the future. “EU cooperation of the European Union to Israel paid an across cultures. with Yad Vashem is ongoing in the ‘Horizon official visit to Yad Vashem. Led by EU A question-and-answer session with Yad 2020’ program and bilaterally with some of Ambassador to Israel H.E. Mr. Lars Faaborg- Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev, Lily Safra Chair our Member States,” remarked Ambassador Andersen, the delegation met high-level staff, for Holocaust Education and International School Faaborg-Andersen. “We hope to continue to work visited the Holocaust History Museum, took Director Dr. Eyal Kaminka, and Director of the together through remembrance and education a behind-the-scenes tour of the Archives International School’s European Department to perpetuate the memory of the Shoah and Division, and acquainted themselves with the Richelle Budd-Caplan allowed the delegation to sustain the values of morality and freedom International School for Holocaust Studies’ to focus on the existing forms of official shared by the EU and Israel.” various interdisciplinary projects, as well as its cooperation between Yad Vashem and the advanced pedagogical and educational tools European Union and to reflect on how they Furthering Holocaust Christian Leaders Enrich Their Knowledge Education in Italy of the Holocaust Dr. Susanna Kokkonen ■ In the ■ The sixth annual International Christian spring of 2015, Leadership Seminar took place at the Yad Vashem International School for Holocaust Studies Chairman Avner Shalev and Simonetta in April 2015. The seminar, co-hosted by the Saliera, President of the Emilia-Romagna Christian Friends of Yad Vashem, was sponsored Regional Legislative Assembly (a regional by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem parliament based in Bologna), signed a (ICEJ) German Branch and the Museum of the memorandum of understanding to promote Bible, Washington, DC. Holocaust education among Italian educators Dr. Stacy Lee, Senior Pastor of Covenant and pupils. Building on their successful prior Kingdom International in Phoenix, Arizona, who ventures, including a seminar held at the has served in the Christian ministry for over ■ Dr. Stacy Lee and Dr. Michelle Adair-Lee Legislative Assembly for Italian Yad Vashem 30 years, was one of the leaders attending the graduates, this agreement is expected to fortify 2015 seminar along with his wife, Dr. Michelle the Holocaust. I consider the Holocaust to be the cooperative relationship between the Adair-Lee. “I believe that Christians can only the most important world event to be taught institutions and further common goals. stand with Israel if they know and understand and remembered.” In recent years, Yad Vashem has considerably what happened. I came to attend this seminar The Lees are determined to encourage enhanced relations with Italian educational so I would know the truth about antisemitism, more Christians to become connected with Yad authorities, as well as with the Italian Embassy the Holocaust and Israel today,” said Dr. Lee. Vashem. “I will be using my pulpit as well as to Israel. The Italian Ministry of Education, “While I had previously learned about Hitler my TV programs to speak about what I learned Universities and Research also extended official and his intent to murder the Jews, here at here,” added Dr. Lee. “I will be confident in accreditation to seminars conducted at Yad Yad Vashem I sadly discovered how ordinary asking Christians to pray for Israel because I Vashem for Italian educators. people also became perpetrators of the crimes. now have the knowledge I need.” In addition, I saw the propaganda against the The author is the Director of the Christian Friends Jews, and understood how that contributed to of Yad Vashem. New Schools Join ICHEIC Partner Network ■ In the spring of 2015, the Yad Vashem- to pursue closer cooperation between their in October 2014. On 9 March 2015, a group of ICHEIC (International Commission on Holocaust schools and Yad Vashem. 13 pupils from the school visited Yad Vashem, Era Insurance Claims) Partner School Network The Hermann Leeser School in Dülmen, where they received a special guided tour and welcomed its latest member schools: the which has been a Partner School since September met with a Holocaust survivor. Heinrich Kleist School in Hesse, which joined 2014, is currently writing a book geared for A new project involving four Partner Schools in February, and North Rhine-Westphalia’s students about the life of Hermann Leeser. Leeser in North Rhine-Westphalia (Annette von Droste Christian Dietrich Grabbe Gymnasium and was a well-known local industrialist until his Hülshoff Gymnasium, Hermann Leeser School, Realschule St. Martin, which joined in death following the Kristallnacht pogrom in Christian Dietrich Grabbe Gymnasium, Realschule March. November 1938. The school is located on the St. Martin) is currently being explored in With ten different schools located in various former site of Leeser’s factory. The Refik Veseli conjunction with Villa Ten Hompel in Münster – federal states in Germany, the network provides School in Berlin, which renamed itself after an a memorial site for offenses committed by the opportunities for German-speaking graduates of Albanian Righteous Among the Nations, joined police and government administration during the International School for Holocaust Studies the Yad Vashem-ICHEIC Partner School Network the National Socialist period. education 11 Youth Movement Congress Marks Ten Years Miri Bar ■ How did youth movements change in Hatzair, Beitar, the Israel Scouts and Druze the wake of the Holocaust, if at all? What Youth. measure of responsibility and obligation did The day began with a comprehensive tour individuals have for the movements and their of the sites and memorials around the Mount values during the war? And what role did they of Remembrance, during which participants fulfill for individuals after liberation? discussed the issue of liberation – a complex and James Joseph McIntosh On 12 February 2015, the Youth Movement multifaceted event for the Jewish survivors – Congress met for its tenth annual gathering and the postwar activities of the remnants at Yad Vashem, this year focusing on the of the youth movements. Following a joint youth movements and their activity at the guiding activity between the youth leaders end of WWII. Approximately 350 members and Yad Vashem guides, a fruitful discourse The congress concluded with an emotional of various youth movements, young men and yielded fascinating insights and created encounter with Holocaust survivor Malka women performing a year of volunteer work a bridge between the participants, who Rosenthal. At the end of the meeting, around Israel before enlisting, participated in represented many different groups within representatives of the youth groups gave the congress, including Bnei Akiva, Hashomer Israeli society. Malka their written pledge: “We, members of the youth groups, commit to carrying the banner of the memory of the martyrs and heroes of the Holocaust in Israeli society. We assume the responsibility to continue leading in the study of the Holocaust, and to act in the spirit of its meanings.” At the end of the congress, a guide to activities in different communities around Israel leading up to Holocaust Remembrance Day was distributed to all the participants. The author is the Informal Education Coordinator of the Guiding Department, International School for Holocaust Studies. Seminar for Community Leaders Holocaust Remembrance Day 2015 – from Latin-America, Educational Materials Spain and Portugal Jonathan Clapsaddle ■ From 14-23 April 2015, the fourth annual seminar for Latin-American and ■ through the Displaced Persons (DP) camps and In line with this year’s Holocaust Spanish community leaders was held in emigration from Europe. Incorporating video Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day, the International Seminars Wing of the and photographic archival footage from the the International School for Holocaust Studies International School for Holocaust Studies. postwar period, survivor testimony and material launched a dedicated subsite focusing on this Seventeen participants, hailing from Argentina, incorporated into Yad Vashem study units on year’s theme: “The Anguish of Liberation and Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Miami, attended the subject, International School staff member the Return to Life: 70 Years Since the End of lectures by International School staff as well Sheryl Ochayon stresses the importance, and WWII.” The site (ow.ly/M0jMe) includes videos as by academics and experts in various fields. the unique educational aspects, of teaching this covering various facets of the years immediately Attendees also participated in the official period in history, a bittersweet period for the after the war and how they can be approached ceremonies held at Yad Vashem for Holocaust survivors. The war had ended, but in almost all in the classroom, as well as lesson plans and Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day. ceremonies, online exhibitions, photo galleries, cases survivors were left without most or all of discussion of survivor artwork, pedagogical their families, without a home to speak of, and and historical articles, background information with a difficult, uncertain future ahead. and more. The Holocaust Education Video Toolbox is The website also debuted two new supported through the generosity of Jan and Rick Cohen, USA. educational videos, part of the Holocaust Education Video Toolbox project (ow.ly/M0kpr). The author heads the English Section of the Educational Technology Department, International These videos – “Liberated but Not Free” and School for Holocaust Studies. “The Return to Life in the DP Camps” – focus on the immediate postwar experience of many of the survivors, from the moment of liberation

Yad Vashem seminars for educators from abroad are generously sponsored by the Claims Conference and the Adelson Family Foundation. education 13 “I Have Survived, I Have Lost Everything”

First Letters after Liberation Dr. Iael Nidam-Orvieto

■ Upon liberation, many Holocaust survivors reached out in letters to their remaining family and friends. These letters provide firsthand genuine accounts, written in real time, about this painful chapter in Jewish history. In the Yad Vashem Archives there are scores of first letters, written in various languages, many of which were donated to Yad Vashem in recent years through the “Gathering the Fragments” national campaign to collect Holocaust-era artifacts (see p. 15). Most of these letters are unknown, and have never been read by the public. At present, the International Institute for Holocaust Research, together with Director of the Yad Vashem Libraries Dr. Robert Rozett, is collating the letters and researching their authors and content, with a view to their publication – in Hebrew and English – in the near future. One of the main goals of these invaluable ■ Postcard sent from Brussels, Belgium by survivor Heinz Benjamin to his brother Manfred in Eretz Israel, testimonies was to give a first account of the 10 October 1944. In the postcard, Heinz tells Manfred begs his brother to "do all you can to bring me to you." horrors that the writers, their families and their communities experienced during the years of In addition to the survivor states: “I want so strongly to hug you, Nazi rule. Though often brief, they are dense all of you, and just cry.” Sometimes they even with information. In this way, they believed survivors’ letters, there express feelings of guilt for being alive. As one they were upholding an unwritten testament are those written by young girl wrote: “How can I justify myself to of the victims: to tell and not to forget. These you for having survived, for having seen burning letters illustrate the state of mind of the writers soldiers who came into ovens, red flames in the sky? For having seen in this crucial period, when they struggled to contact with survivors thousands of people brought daily to the gas tally their losses and create new lives. After chambers… By surviving, I betrayed everyone describing what happened to his family, one as liberators. These else. And there is no forgiveness for that.” survivor wrote: “Don’t be angry with me for And yet we also see in these letters the writing to you everything. It hurts, but it must are the earliest, raw, seeds – the very first signs – of recovery, the be written. It must be known. That is the only unadulterated accounts will to return to life and find the strength to thing we can do in order to honor the memory rebuild their lives and be reunited with family of our holy victims.” As such they reflect what by external witnesses to or friends. “When I received your letter I started the survivors wanted to communicate most the effects of the Nazi shaking with happiness,” wrote one survivor. “I to those who were important to them, and had tears in my eyes. ‘Am I dreaming?’ I thought. they constitute the first unsolicited survivor machinery of exploitation, ‘Is it possible?’ Yes, it’s the reality. I am reading testimonies. brutality and mass murder your letter, my dear brother. I have no patience. In addition to the survivors’ letters, there I want to already be with you.” Undoubtedly this anthology will be of use are those written by soldiers who came into The main feeling that comes out of most to different audiences. It will provide previously contact with survivors as liberators. These are of the letters is immense suffering. During the unknown source material for researchers and the earliest, raw, unadulterated accounts by war, most Jews concentrated on surviving and the public at large; eyewitness accounts for external witnesses to the effects of the German couldn’t allow themselves to express their pain. use in the classroom; and moving readings machinery of exploitation, brutality and mass But liberation changed this. All of a sudden for ceremonies. But perhaps most saliently, murder. Their empathy for the survivors and they realized how many of their beloved ones this anthology will open a stirring, new and outrage at the Germans is palpable in their were gone. The horrors they experienced, the panoramic window on the humanity of survivors words. “Everything you have heard is true,” feelings of loneliness and of mourning, were and liberators both. wrote one liberator. “Now I know why I was often overwhelming. “I have survived, I have fighting, what I was fighting for.” lost everything,” reads one postcard. And one The author is Director of the International Institute for Holocaust Research. 14 research “I Have Survived, “I Cried Once More When I Have Lost Everything” I Got Your Letter” The Story of Brothers Henry and Menni Stern Miriam Urbach-Nachum

■ In the wake of the Kristallnacht Pogrom in 5,000 Jews from various cities in Germany were November 1938, anxious Jewish parents in imprisoned in terrible conditions of fierce cold, Europe began searching for ways to save their starvation and overcrowding. children from future threats. Approximately On 26 March 1942, the camp was liquidated. 10,000 Jewish children, mostly from Germany, Under false promises of being moved to a place were sent to Britain on the Kindertransport with improved conditions, most of the camp’s between December 1938 and the outbreak of the war in September 1939. One of those children was 14-year-old After receiving a letter Henry (Heinz) Stern. His older sister, 17-year-old from Henry, Menni Ruth, was too old to be included in the group; their parents, Albert-Avraham and Hertha- informed his brother of Hanna Stern, also registered their younger son, the sad news about their 11-year-old Menni (Hermann)-Naphtali, but the quota of children permitted to leave was filled parents and sister and Menni stayed with them in Germany. Some of the extended family immigrated to Ecuador in February 1941. Albert and Hertha hoped to prisoners – including Albert, Hertha and Ruth immigrate with their children to the US, but Stern – were taken to the nearby Bikernieki their visa application was denied. Forest, where they were shot to death and buried in mass graves. Menni was one of the ■ Letter from Menni Stern in Mossaic, France to his few hundred kept back to destroy all previous older brother Henry (Heinz) in London, 24 July 1945 traces of the camp. For the next three years, he for three days, catching up on each other’s story was sent from one camp to another, escaping since they had parted seven years earlier. death over and over, among other reasons due Although desperate to take vengeance to his great resourcefulness. on his persecutors, Menni decided to sail for After liberation, Menni finally reached a Israel and fight in the War of Independence. convalescent home in Moissac, southern France. After demobilization in 1950, he settled in He sent a telegram to his family members in Jerusalem, and in 1951 he married Erna, a Ecuador, asking his uncle to inform his brother Holocaust survivor whom he met in Moissac. Henry in England that he had survived. In July, Meanwhile, Henry became one of the founders after receiving a letter from Henry, Menni of Kibbutz Lavi in the Galilee. informed his brother of the sad news about In 2014, Henry gave Yad Vashem the their parents and sister. “Today I sent off the letters that his brother wrote to him after the form to search for relatives… I want to tell you, war. These letters document the power of the so that there will be no illusions whatsoever, brothers’ reunion, which gave Menni strength, that there is in fact no hope that our parents after the terrible years of war, to rise from the are still among the living.” In his next letter, ashes and look forward with hope: “September Menni related the terrible day their parents and 10, 1945: To my dear Heinz, from his brother, ■ Brothers Menni and Henry Stern reunited in sister were murdered. “The time for farewell who has been reborn and looks out at the Italy after the war, August 1945 had come, and our dear parents and Ruth went world, smiling!” On 1 December 1941, 318 Jews from where we will never see them again… That was Yad Vashem runs the “Gathering the Fragments” Stuttgart, including the Stern family, were put the last time that I cried bitterly – when I saw campaign in cooperation with the Ministry for on passenger trains heading eastward. After Mother getting in the truck and realized that Senior Citizens, Ministry of Education and the four days, the train reached Skirotawa, where the murderers meant the worst… For the first Landmarks National Heritage Program at the Prime Minister’s Office. Since the campaign’s the passengers’ agonizing tribulation began. time, after almost four years, I cried once more inception four years ago, over 7,300 people Under a torrent of beatings and yelling, the when I got your first letter.” have donated some 150,000 Holocaust-related personal items, including 83,000 documents, deportees were marched approximately ten Henry Stern had enlisted in the Jewish 60,000 photographs, 3,150 artifacts, 500 works kilometers to the Jungfernhof concentration Brigade in 1944, serving as an interpreter for of art and 174 original films. camp, near the city of Riga. Within this camp, German POWs. In August 1945, while he was The author is a researcher in the “Gathering the which was designed to hold 450 inmates, some in Italy with his unit, the brothers finally met Fragments” Campaign, Archives Division. gathering the fragments 15 New Exhibition Stars Without a Heaven Children in the Holocaust

■ “I was alone in the world, a boy alone in for survival. Nevertheless, they remained Chanan de Lange, a long-standing partner the world… but the light, there was always children, and whenever they could, they of Yad Vashem in visual displays, created a some sort of light.” played, laughed, wrote stories and drew pictures symbolic “forest” structured around eight major Holocaust survivor and author expressing their fears and hopes. “The drawings, themes: play, learning, friendship, identity, work, Aharon Appelfeld diaries, poems, music, letters, and toys offer a home, family and rites of passage. Each one On 12 April 2015, “Stars Without a Heaven: fascinating look at childhood in the shadow of the 33 “trees” contains a main story, with Children in the Holocaust,” opened at Yad of the Holocaust," says Inbar. “Their vitality, additional stories played on digital screens. A Vashem’s Exhibitions Pavilion. The new creativity, imagination, perceptiveness regarding few trees present more general themes, such as exhibition presents a collection of anecdotes, interpersonal relationships, determination to orphanages and youth groups. narratives and memories of Jewish children survive and maintain their optimism despite One of the trees is dedicated to the story of the circumstances - all portray the depth of Martha Goren, who as a young girl was given children's capabilities." refuge by a Polish family and their housekeeper. To augment the displays, Yad Vashem Martha took on her new “Polish” identity so contacted the Department of Ceramics and well that at the end of the war, it was extremely Glass Design of the Bezalel Academy of Art and difficult for her to leave her adopted family and Design, Jerusalem, and the Department of Visual Communication Design of the Holon Institute of Technology-HIT. Students from both institutions were invited to a day of study, during which they were exposed to various stories of children gleaned from survivor testimonies. The students created works of art from ceramics, porcelain and glass, or animation, thus enriching the visual representation of the lives of children during the Shoah. caught up in the crucible of the Holocaust, an event of horrifying genocide and unspeakable cruelty. Of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah were approximately one-and-a-half million children. Only relatively few survived, against all the odds. “It is especially difficult to present the world of Jewish children during the Shoah, as there is an extreme paucity of materials available illustrating their personal stories,” explains the Christian customs behind. Exhibited in the “tree” exhibition’s curator Yehudit Inbar, Director of are a few childhood photographs of Martha, a Yad Vashem’s Museums Division. “Consequently, copy of the religious icon she wore around her the starting point for this exhibition was that neck during her time in hiding, the certificates everything that could assist in reflecting the bestowing the title of Righteous Among the lives, dreams and achievements of the children Nations upon her rescuers, and part of a filmed had a potential use. On exhibition are items testimony she gave at Yad Vashem. Also on from Yad Vashem’s Artifacts, Art and Archives display is a delicate glass sculpture depicting Collections, enhanced by films made about the her struggle with her religious identity, and children, artworks created by their relatives, two animated films illustrating the emotional music composed to accompany lyrics written turmoil she experienced in parting both from by them during the Holocaust, and more.” her biological mother and from her adopted The Holocaust put an abrupt end to mother. “I am so moved that you have found childhood. In many cases, children became Following the entrance lobby, in which a way to commemorate my family within this the breadwinners of the family and encouraged Designer Niv Ben-David presents “Childhood exhibition,” said Martha at a pre-opening visit. “I their parents to continue the desperate struggle before the Holocaust,” Exhibition Designer don’t think my mother could have ever imagined 16 The starting point for this exhibition was that everything that could assist in reflecting the lives, dreams and achievements of the children had a potential use Leah Goldstein

to them,” summarizes Yehudit Inbar. “She also Students created works embodies the positive energy so many of these innocent minors emitted in a world turned upside- of art from ceramics, porcelain and glass, or animation, thus enriching the visual representation of the lives of children during the Shoah

down. Martha is a shining example to us all of how, with the right combination of chance, as that I would survive, that I would come to Israel well as assistance and optimism, it is possible to and I would manage without her – that I would raise oneself from the lowest depths and make have a husband and children, grandchildren and one’s life – and the world – a better place.” great-grandchildren… It is so difficult for people The exhibition was made possible by the Warren family, children, grandchildren and great- who weren’t there to imagine what it was like, grandchildren in honor of Nomi Warren (USA), but this exhibition will help both adults and survivor of Auschwitz, Ravensbruck and Bergen young people connect to the emotional world Belsen; and through the generosity of Yvette Graubart Blaiberg (Belgium); The Paul & Pearl of the children during the Shoah.” Caslow Foundation, Esther and David Mann and “Martha’s story represents so many other Betty Breslaw (USA); and Carter's Inc. in honor children who are unable tell what happened of Avraham Bondi Livnat (USA). 17 Yad Vashem Online Dana Porath

“Our Goal is that All of You Will Die Along the Way” Armenian Righteous The Death March to Volary: New Video-Based Online Exhibition Among the Nations ■ Among the rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust were Armenians, some of them motivated by the memory of the atrocities committed against them at the beginning of the 20th century. These acts of rescue took place in countries to which the Armenians fled subsequent to the genocide – Ukraine, Crimea, France, Hungary and Austria. A new online exhibition featuring their stories joins others in a series that focuses on different aspects of the Righteous Among the Nations.

■ On 20 January 1945, some 1,300 female including whippings and beatings for having Jewish prisoners were forced to begin a march wet or dirty clothes while being forced to dig from Silesia in western Poland. The infamous anti-tank trenches in the snow; defenseless, death march ended 106 days and 800 km later starving women shot by drunken German in the town of Volary in Czechoslovakia, not officers; horrific public executions after escape far from the border with Germany and Austria: attempts; and the “five weeks in Hell” in the 106 days of rigorous marching through snow Helmbrechts concentration camp in Bavaria. As survivor Herta Goldman recalled when she asked Their testimonies portray an SS officer where they were taking them: “‘We don’t have a destination,' he said. ‘Our goal is in painful detail what that all of you will die along the way.'” happened to them and Also integrated into this exhibition are video testimonies from the soldiers who liberated the to some of the other women. “My first glance at these individuals women along the way, was one of extreme shock, not ever believing that a human being can be degraded, can be including whippings and starved, can be so skinny and even live under beatings and horrific such circumstances,” recalled Major Aaron S. Cahan, a US medical officer appointed to oversee public executions the care of the survivors. “When I entered the room I thought that we had a group of old men… and icy winds, 106 days of gnawing hunger I was surprised and shocked when I asked one of and sickness, humiliation, torture and murder. these girls how old she was and she said 17… at “Women of Valor” – Along the way, women from other camps were least fifty percent of these women would have forced to join the march – most were murdered, died within twenty-four hours were they not Now in Spanish few escaped. By the end of the march, only 350 located and given the best of care.” ■ The online exhibition “Women of Valor: women had survived, against all odds. “The Death March to Volary” concludes Stories of Women Who Rescued Jews during In a new, video-based online exhibition, with a short film depicting how, despite their the Holocaust” was launched in Spanish on drawing upon the most updated research on terrible physical and emotional traumas, the International Women’s Day, reaching Spanish- the death marches, some of the survivors tell survivors managed to return to civilization speaking audiences on Facebook throughout their powerful story. Their testimonies portray and begin their lives anew. Women’s History Month. in painful detail what happened to them and The author is Director of the Internet Department, to some of the other women along the way, Communications Division. 18 “We Believed We Were the Only Ones” Teacher from Moscow Discovers Family in Israel Deborah Berman

■ On 30 March 2015, two cousins who found each other thanks to Yad Vashem’s Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names met for the first time. The emotional and unexpected meeting between Tatiana Zuckerman of Moscow (66) and Shalhevet Sara Ziv of Kfar Sava (67) took place during an educators’ seminar at the International School for Holocaust Studies, coordinated in partnership with the Holocaust Foundation based in Moscow. Tatiana had come especially from Moscow to take part in the seminar. All her life she believed that she had almost no extended family. Apart from her mother, Rachel Perelman (Milenki) (87), an Auschwitz survivor who now lives in New York, and a very small number of distant cousins, none of her family members survived the Holocaust. During her visit, Tatiana asked for assistance searching Yad Vashem’s databases to check for information about her ■ Shalhevet Sara Ziv (right) shows a picture of her mother Elka Kodinvinski to Tatiana Zuckerman family and their fate during the Holocaust. To connection and talked for hours, comparing her surprise, Tatiana found a Page of Testimony During her visit, Tatiana their family narratives and history as well as in the Names Database commemorating her their lives today. Shalhevet showed Tatiana the asked for assistance grandmother Tzeril Milenki, who was murdered family pictures and documents that she had in the Minsk ghetto. The Page of Testimony searching Yad Vashem's gathered over the years and explained how her grandmother, Sarah Soreh Mara Milenki, databases. To her surprise, Tzeril’s sister, was burned alive along with other Jews of her town in the synagogue in she found a Page of Rakov. The women also remembered additional Testimony commemorating members of the family who were murdered in the Holocaust: Eta, Malka, Avraham, Mordechai her grandmother Motel and Rechavam Milenki. The meeting was especially poignant for much effort investigating the roots of her Shalhevet, who has invested many years and family. As a tribute to her grandmother Sarah (after whom she was named), and her mother, Elka Kodinvinski, Shalhevet has made it her ■ Teachers from the educator’s seminar in the Hall of Names ■ To date, Yad Vashem has identified 4.5 mission to share her family’s legacy. She is million of the six million Jews murdered was submitted in 2011 by Shalhevet Ziv, who now able to further her research of the family in the Holocaust. They are commemorated tree, making corrections and additions based wrote that she was a great-niece of Tzeril. and their biographies documented in the on information she has learned from her newly Using social media networking to investigate, Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names found cousin. Shalhevet is preparing to publish Yad Vashem staff helped Tatiana locate Shalhevet (www.yadvashem.org), a one-of-a-kind a book based on her research, in which she within a few hours. With translation help by resource available in English, Hebrew, was able to trace the roots of her family as Serafima Velkovich from Yad Vashem’s Research Russian, Spanish and German. The public far back as 1838. For her part, Tatiana feels and Information Services, who also assisted in is invited to search records, submit new that she has been given the gift of a family: finding the Page of Testimony, they confirmed Pages of Testimony, and add photos and “I cannot wait to share this discovery with my that they are in fact related: their grandmothers personal documents. For assistance in Israel, mother; she will be deeply moved to know that were sisters. Shalhevet came to Yad Vashem the please call: 02 644 3808. For assistance in others survived. All these years we believed next morning so that she could meet with her other parts of the world, please contact: we were the only ones.” cousin before Tatiana returned to Moscow. The [email protected] two women immediately felt a strong family names collection 19 News Over 1,800 Archives: One Portal

■ Leaders of the EHRI project present its achievements to date, guided by Director of the Yad Vashem Archives and Fred Hillman Chair for Holocaust Documentation Dr. Haim Gertner (second from right), Berlin, March 2015 ■ On 26 March 2015, a special event took place worked together to make archives accessible Avner Shalev. “Specifically at a time when we in Berlin launching the portal of EHRI (European and to connect collections. are witnessing a struggle between different Holocaust Research Infrastructure) – the most At the presentation of the portal (https:// narratives of memory, Europe is giving the important and comprehensive project in Europe portal.ehri-project.eu), Robert-Jan Smits, the Holocaust a unique position within the common today in the field of Holocaust research. This European Commission’s Director-General of European historical narrative.” online resource contains information on more Research and Innovation, summarized the In addition to the portal, EHRI is creating than 1,800 Holocaust-related archival institutions achievements of the first four years of the project, an international community of researchers to in 51 countries, as well as descriptions of and announced the EU’s support of the next enhance the exchange of ideas, new information the archival materials they hold – allowing phase of EHRI’s work, with eight million Euro and a multi-disciplinary approach to Holocaust researchers of the period to locate original of funding under its “Horizon2020” program. In research – such as the creation of online documentation within their fields of investigation the second phase, EHRI will expand its activities forums in the fields of names collection, scattered across the continent. to other countries, reaching those regions where documentation preservation, photograph Coordinated by the NIOD Institute for War, much valuable Holocaust source material is identification and the use of Holocaust-era Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Amsterdam, located, but where access has hitherto been artwork as an historic resource. This “people- Yad Vashem has been a leading partner in the problematic, especially in southeastern and to-people network” stimulates and enables EHRI project since its inception in 2010. Over Eastern Europe. research, contributes to the strengthening of the past four years, researchers and experts “This is an historic landmark in European local community consciousness, and offers from institutions in Europe and Israel have mobilization,” remarked Yad Vashem Chairman educational opportunities at a local level.

“Tommy” Passes Away ■ On 8 March 2015, Holocaust survivor in the future when he hoped Tommy would face The book was published by Yad Vashem in and the inspiration for a book of beautiful a better life. The book did not reflect reality – 1999, in both adult and children’s versions. drawings Thomas “Tommy” Fritta passed instead, it was a gift of optimism. away. Tommy was drawn by the Czech artist Fritta was head of the Theresienstadt Bedrich Fritta in 1944 as a present for his son ghetto’s technical department, whose workers Thomas on his third birthday – a birthday were Jewish artists imprisoned in the ghetto. celebrated in the book the way people would Forced to prepare propaganda for the Germans, celebrate outside of the Terezin ghetto in which whenever possible they also secretly documented they were imprisoned – with a party including the grim reality of their daily lives. cakes, presents and a clown. Fritta illustrated the Bedrich Fritta was murdered in Auschwitz, book with drawings of the life he remembered and his wife Hansi died in Terezin. After the outside the ghetto walls. He wanted to teach his war, Tommy was adopted by his father’s friend son about all the things in a normal world, such and fellow artist Leo Hass and his wife Erna, as trees, parks, birds, and flowers – for the day who also recovered the manuscript. 20 Combatting Global Antisemitism

■ The Global Forum for Combating antisemitism across the globe, and its strategies said: “Seventy years after the conclusion of Antisemitism, sponsored by Israel’s Ministry for effective responses. Director of the Yad WWII and the horrors of the Holocaust, we of Foreign Affairs, held its fifth biannual Vashem Libraries Dr. Robert Rozett serves as a could – and should – have expected that international meeting from 12-14 May co-chairman of the working group combating antisemitism would be a sad phenomenon of the 2015. Some 500 participants – both Jews and Holocaust denial and distortion. The goal of past. Instead, it remains a menacing danger of non-Jews – took part, including public figures, each of the 12 working groups is to create the present. Clearly, a great challenge remains: political leaders, clergy, journalists, diplomats an action plan to help guide and coordinate to learn about the Shoah and its meanings as a and educators. worldwide governmental and societal activities counter-balance against antisemitism and as a Since the Forum’s inception, representatives in the struggle against antisemitism. barrier against hatred.” from Yad Vashem have played an active role In a filmed interview ahead of this year’s in its assessments of the different forms of forum, Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev

Ambassadors for Names Recovery – the Genealogical Community Zvi Bernhardt ■ Since its inception, Yad Vashem has about victims – both archival sources and lists details on hundreds of thousands of victims of been dedicated to identifying the names and alongside new Pages of Testimony. whose fate is not clear. What is known collecting biographical information about the Yad Vashem’s cooperation with the Jewish about them is that they were inmates in camps victims of the Holocaust. Initially, the goal was genealogy community evolved together with or , were used in forced labor, or were to find out about those who were murdered the development of the Database, including persecuted by the Nazis or their accomplices and to keep their memory alive, in order to joint projects with organizations like JewishGen in other ways. defy the Nazis’ attempt to erase their personal and representation at genealogy gatherings in This change has made the Names Database, identities and stories. Israel and abroad. When Yad Vashem updated already central to genealogical searches, more When Yad Vashem uploaded the Central its Names Database, its experts sought feedback essential still. Information on a vast number Database of Shoah Victims’ Names to the Internet from the genealogy community to ensure that of individuals not previously incorporated in 2004, commemoration was its primary goal. the Database continued to meet the needs of into the Database has now been added, and “Pages of Testimony” comprised the majority researchers and to remain user friendly. Yad Vashem has reached out to the genealogy of the database source material. These special Researchers have helped Yad Vashem realize community in Israel to publicize and explain memorial forms, filled out by relatives and the importance of recording and including this change. On 6-10 July 2015, Yad Vashem friends about loved ones, became an essential information about those victims who suffered will be a sponsor and partner in programming tool for Jewish genealogists as they contained greatly at the hands of the Nazis but thankfully at the 35th IAJGS International Conference on vital biographical information about the victims, were able to survive. Last year, the Names Jewish Genealogy in Jerusalem, allowing these their ancestral towns and family members. Database was revised to express this extended important changes to be exposed to the wider Defined as a work in progress, the Names emphasis. Along with the 4.5 million names of genealogical community. Database expanded as Yad Vashem continued those who were murdered by the Nazis currently The author is Deputy Director of the Hall of Names to collect and digitize various source material collected, the online Database now includes Department and Deputy Director of the Reference and Information Services Department, Archives Division. Restoring the Identities of Fallen Soldiers Deborah Berman ■ “Faces of the Fallen” is a volunteer project, the army soon after their arrival and fell in the The cooperation with Yad Vashem allows the established in 2012, to research the lives of battle for Israel’s independence. Often there is project team to access archival databases and fallen soldiers in Israel and complete the details very little information about their experiences learn more about the fallen soldiers. Thanks to engraved on their tombstones. Sponsored information in Yad Vashem’s Names Database, in cooperation with the memorial unit of project staff were able to learn more about Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the project works Moshe Willinger, a survivor of Auschwitz and collaboratively with Yad Vashem to research Buchenwald, who fell in the line of duty on 15 soldiers who were born in Europe and immigrated August 1948 at the age of 20. Tracing the history to Israel either prior to or immediately following of Brent Willinger, Moshe’s father, volunteers the Holocaust. Yad Vashem serves not only as a found evidence that Moshe’s sister may have source of vital information about the soldiers’ been murdered together with her father. They lives, but also helps shed light on the soldiers’ also found the name of his mother, as well as family backgrounds and sometimes locates living further information about his family’s experiences relatives by making use of information in the during WWII. During an emotional ceremony Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names. during the war or their family background. held on 21 April 2015 at the military cemetery on Many of the fallen in Israel between the “Faces of the Fallen” is currently researching the Mount Herzl, attended by Moshe’s cousins, his years 1940-1950 were soldiers who immigrated lives of some 300 soldiers from Europe, mainly friends from the Bnei Akiva youth movement as before WWII. The majority of the families they Holocaust survivors. Headed by Dorit Perry and well as the young volunteers who had tirelessly left behind were murdered in the Holocaust. Uri Sagi, the project arranges for volunteers to researched his story, Moshe Willinger’s tombstone Other soldiers were themselves survivors of the “adopt” soldiers and research their biographies was replaced with a new stone containing the horrors of the Holocaust who were recruited into in archives in Israel and abroad. newly discovered information (pictured). news 21 News RECENT VISITS TO YAD VASHEM Wladyslaw Bartoszweski During February-May 2015, Yad Vashem conducted 144 guided tours for some 1,500 official visitors from Israel and abroad. These guests included heads of state and local government, (1922-2015) members of royalty and ambassadors, NGO officials and families of Righteous Among the ■ Yad Vashem mourns the death of Wladyslaw Nations. Following is a small selection of our honored guests over these four months: Bartoszewski at the end of April 2015 in Poland. Bartoszewski was a man of many talents: ■ ■ On 22 February, President of the Chamber Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and a historian, writer and diplomat whose life of Deputies of Valeriu Zgonea toured Trade Charles Flanagan visited Yad Vashem achievements encompassed much of 20th-century the Holocaust History Museum. on 18 February. After an in-depth tour of the history. Imprisoned in Auschwitz during WWII, he Holocaust History Museum and a memorial wrote a detailed account of what he witnessed. He ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, Minister then joined Zegota, dedicated to rescuing Jews, Flanagan wrote in the Yad Vashem Guest Book: and for this he was recognized as a Righteous “It is not enough just to visit here and see. We Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1965, one must redouble our efforts to resist antisemitism of the earliest such designations. Later in his life, throughout our world.” he became Ambassador and Foreign Minister of Poland, and also served as the Chairman of the International Auschwitz Council. “I had the privilege to work closely with Wladyslaw on the International Auschwitz Council, where I served as his deputy,” said Avner Shalev, Chairman of Yad Vashem. “He was an iconic figure in Poland and a true friend of Israel. His passing ■ On 30 April, Albanian Minister of Agriculture is a loss to humanity as well as to me personally. and Rural Development Edmond Panariti (left) He will be greatly missed.” ■ After touring the Holocaust History Museum visited Yad Vashem. His visit was especially and participating in a memorial ceremony in meaningful because his relatives Isuf and Niqi Prof. Robert Wistrich the Hall of Remembrance on 12 May, German Panariti were recently honored by Yad Vashem (1945-2015) Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen as Righteous Among the Nations. After a tour of wrote in the Guest Book: “We are responsible the Holocaust History Museum and a memorial ■ Yad Vashem mourns the unexpected passing for what we did, and so we hope that the coming ceremony, Minister Panariti, along with Dr. of Prof. Robert Wistrich, a foremost expert on generations will learn from what happened and Agron Panariti (right), son of the Righteous, antisemitism. Prof. Wistrich headed The Vidal never repeat those acts… we must rely upon visited the Garden of the Righteous, where their Sassoon International Center for the Study of each other for a common future." family members' names are inscribed on the wall. Antisemitism at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Minister Panariti expressed how proud he was and his research included important studies on of his family and their “small contribution" to contemporary antisemitism, as well as about the humanity, as well as his dedication to Holocaust nature of Nazism. “Prof. Wistrich's discussions commemoration. with educators at the International School for Holocaust Studies of Yad Vashem, in explaining the phenomenon of modern antisemitism to teachers from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, China and other countries around the world, added an important dimension to their studies," said Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev. “He was able to simplify a complex and centuries-long phenomenon in a way that could be understood and tackled." ■ CEO of Apple Inc. Tim Cook visited Yad Vashem on 25 February and toured the Holocaust History ■ Yad Vashem also mourns the unexpected Museum and Information Technology Division. In passing of historian and author Dr. Boaz Neumann. the Guest Book, Mr. Cook wrote: “I share in the A lecturer at Tel Aviv University, Dr. Neumann's enduring hope that their memory will give light main field of interest was Modern German History, to human potential to work for a greater good… including Nazism and the Shoah, as well as the and to strive for a better future." history of the early Zionist settlement of Eretz Israel. “Boaz was a brilliant and mindful scholar, and he will be sorely missed," said Prof. Dan Michman, Head of Yad Vashem's International Institute for Holocaust Research and John Najmann Chair for Holocaust Studies. “He assisted our academic work through his thought-provoking lectures, and his research has greatly benefitted our researchers and 22 educational staff. " News from the International Institute for Holocaust Research “Jews Rescuing Jews” recounted how he and his friends established no commentary or explanations. Prof. Van Pelt a document forgery workshop to protect Jews annotated an English edition, which has thus Symposium Marks Book in Budapest both from the Germans and from far been translated into German and will soon Release the murderous Arrow Cross henchmen in the be published in Hebrew by Yad Vashem. In his last quarter of 1944. In the second session, captivating lecture, Prof. Van Pelt expanded ■ On 15 March 2015, a day symposium was on Koker’s multi-faceted persona as a young, held at Yad Vashem on the occasion of the gifted intellectual coping with his Jewish release of Rise With Me to My Fate: Jews Saving While conscious of the identity at the end of the 1930s. As it is, very Jews Faced with Extermination (Hebrew), a common fate that awaited few concentration camp diaries – especially collection of historical sources edited by Dr. by Jews – are in circulation, which imbues Avraham Milgram of the International Institute all Jews, there were those this journal from the Vught camp in Holland for Holocaust Research. with unique value. Prof. Van Pelt read aloud The anthology highlights attempts made to who refused to flee, even and analyzed a series of selections from the rescue Jews in German-conquered territory by in the face of clear danger diary, highlighting unusually interesting and those who were themselves potential victims in-depth observations regarding Jews and of the Nazi regime during the implementation to their own lives Germans in the camp; various phenomena in Prof. Dan Michman, Head of the International the daily life of the camp; and the personality Holocaust Research Institute and Incumbent of Koker himself. The most fascinating section of the John Najmann Chair for Holocaust was a description of Heinrich Himmler, the Studies, addressed the subject of rescue and commander of the SS (which also included its portrayal in Holocaust historiography, the entire German Police), and his visit to the and Dr. Milgram addressed the objective and camp – a unique, real-time and remarkably subjective difficulties that led to failure in the non-stereotypical description of a top Nazi by rescue attempts. an ordinary Jewish camp prisoner. The day symposium took place with the generous support of the Gutwirth Family Fund. Bankier Memorial Lecture: Workshop on Rare Diary “Were the Italians Good from Dutch Concentration Guys?” of the “Final Solution,” 1941-1945. While Camp ■ Marking five years since the passing of conscious of the common fate that awaited former Head of the International Research ■ all Jews, there were those who refused to flee, On 12 March, architectural historian and Institute Prof. David Bankier, z”l, guest even in the face of clear danger to their own Holocaust scholar Prof. Robert Jan Van Pelt historian Prof. Gustavo Corni from the lives. The Jewish rescuers often sought to save (left) of the University of Waterloo and Department of Humanities in Trento University, Jews they did not even know; their motivation University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Italy was invited to a two-day gathering at going beyond the bounds of the personal or the gave a special workshop at the International Yad Vashem. Maintaining Prof. Bankier’s emotional, with something other than family Research Institute. Prof. Van Pelt is particularly desire to encourage young scholars, the first ties or friendships providing the impetus to known in the field of Holocaust research for day was dedicated to a workshop for Israeli endanger themselves for others, and save as PhD candidates, in which Prof. Corni presented many Jews as possible. a methodological discussion on analyzing Many of the symposium’s participants historical documents and gave useful feedback to belonged to the generation of Holocaust the researchers present. The following day, Prof. survivors, keen to hear more about a subject Corni (pictured) gave a stimulating lecture, open of such interest and discussion. During to the general public, dealing with the changes the first session, Dr. Jeannine (Levana) of Italian historiography vis-à-vis the Holocaust Frenk presented the work of Unzer Vort, the in Italy and its influence on the public discourse underground newspaper of the left-wing on the myth of the “Good Italian.” Poalei Zion movement in occupied Belgium, in rescuing Jewish children, as well as the partnership between newspaper activists and his studies of the architectural plans of the the Belgian anti-Nazi underground. In the Auschwitz death camp, as well as for his same session, Irena Steinfeldt, Director of expert-witness testimony in the UK trial of Yad Vashem’s Department of the Righteous Holocaust denier David Irving 15 years ago. Among the Nations, addressed the cooperation At a workshop held for research fellows in the which sprung up between Gentile and Jewish Institute, Prof. Van Pelt spoke about the diary rescuers. In his fascinating testimony, David of David Koker, a brilliant, young Dutch Jew Gur (pictured), a member of the Hashomer murdered in the Shoah. The first edition of the Hatzair youth movement in occupied Budapest, diary, published in Dutch in 1978, contained news 23 Events at Yad Vashem: February-May 2015 Limor Karo Annual Purim Event ghetto, the parchment was found in a trash heap in the Jewish quarter. Berl Schor, who was present ■ Yad Vashem hosted its annual reading of at the Megilla reading, delivered it to Yad Vashem Megillat Esther (The Scroll of Esther) on Purim for eternal safekeeping. Senior Assistant to the in the Synagogue, attended by members of Chairman of the Directorate Yossi Gevir (left) the Association of Cracovians in Israel and its and Director of the Guiding Department in the President, Lili Haber, Holocaust survivors and Commemoration and Public Relations Division other guests. The story of Esther was read by Naama Galil moderated the event. 71 Years Since of the Murder of Hungarian Jewry Hungarian Jewry. Dozens of Holocaust survivors and their families participated in the gathering, ■ “When does a man cry? When he is in pain. which was held on 18 March at Beit Wolyn in When does a Jew cry? When he remembers… Givatayim. Dr. Frumi Shchori, Director of the The day will come when the last Holocaust Givatayim branch of the International School survivor vanishes from the world, and there will for Holocaust Studies, delivered an address, not be a Jew left who can say ‘I was there,’ ‘It as did Ambassador Gideon Behar, Director of happened to me’… With the death of the last the Department for Combating Antisemitism of the survivors, the world will be left without at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who witnesses, only testimonies.” lectured about antisemitism in Hungary and Director-General of the Shaare Zedek Medical These moving words were uttered by Meir around the world. Center Prof. Yonatan Halevy (right) from an Gal (pictured), Chairman of the Association of antique parchment estimated to be hundreds of The author assists production in the Events Hungarian Jews in Israel, at the annual assembly Department, Commemoration and Public Relations years old. After the liquidation of the Krakow marking 71 years since the annihilation of Division. New Benefactor: Ariel Picker Rachel Boymel, z"l Erna Weil Leiser, z"l ■ Philanthropist Ariel Picker, born and raised ■ Yad Vashem mourns ■ Yad Vashem mourns in Mexico, is the son of Simon and Golda the passing of Holocaust the passing of Yad Picker. Ariel’s paternal grandparents moved survivor and Yad Vashem Trustee Erna from Lvov to Israel in the 1930s, where they Vashem Benefactor Weil Leiser, z”l. were able to safely raise their family. Sadly, his Rachel Boymel, z”l. Erna was born in paternal grandmother (from the Gottleib family) Rachel survived Freiburg, Germany lost many relatives in the Holocaust. the Holocaust together almost 100 years ago. with her two brothers During WWII, she and in hiding in Ukraine her sisters, one of them with the help of Righteous Among the Nations her twin, escaped from the Gurs detention camp, Vasiliy and Fedora Stripchuk. leaving behind their parents, who were unable Rachel met her husband, Sam, shortly before to escape. They arrived in Baltimore in 1939, the end of the war. They lived in a Displaced traveling via England with only three dollars Persons (DP) camp in Germany before moving to in their pocket. the United States, where they created a successful Having started medical school in Germany, business. Most of Rachel’s and Sam’s families Erna found work as a nurse for a family were murdered in the Holocaust. in Baltimore. She then left to attend Johns An industrial engineer, Ariel is married to Sam and Rachel wrote a book about their war Hopkins University, and became an industrial Vicky Rajunov, an attorney, and together they experiences, Run, My Child (Yad Vashem, 2010). engineer. The three sisters soon established have three young children: Alan, Uri and Tali. They also dedicated Yad Vashem’s Panorama successful careers in the building industry, and Ariel and Vicky are active members of their in Tribute to Holocaust Survivors who Fought with great creative ingenuity they managed to community, who generously support various in Israel’s War of Independence in honor of obtain forged passports, secure the release of charitable initiatives, specifically Jewish and Rachel’s brothers, Yosel, who was killed in the their parents and bring them to America. Holocaust-related organizations. war, and Menachem Czerkiewicz. Erna Weil Leiser was a great supporter of Ariel Picker is a modest and sensitive person Yad Vashem extends its heartfelt condolences Yad Vashem, dedicating the Flag Terrace in with a warm heart, who strongly values and to Sam and all the family. memory of the family members she lost and identifies with the State of Israel and the Jewish in honor of those who survived. people. Yad Vashem welcomes him as a new Benefactor, and looks forward to partnering with him in its endeavors in the future. 24 Friends Worldwide

USA ■ Thomas Guttman (right) and Moshe ■ During his recent visit to the Mount of Flaishman (center) explored the Holocaust Remembrance with his son and grandchildren, ■ Four generations of the Halpern family History Museum and took a behind-the- Yad Vashem Sponsor Israel Roizman (left) were joined by family and friends from all over scenes tour of the Yad Vashem Archives with took a special tour of the Holocaust History the globe for the dedication of the Children’s International Relations Division Managing Museum. Terrace on 7 April 2015. The Terrace, situated Director Shaya Ben Yehuda (left). at the exit of the Children’s Memorial, was dedicated by Fred and Cheryl Halpern, David and Sharon Halpern, Jack Halpern, and Murray and Batsheva Halpern in honor of their parents, survivors Sam, z”l and Gladys Halpern.

■ During their visit to Yad Vashem, Holocaust ■ The March 2015 Houston Federation Mission survivor Jerry Wartski and ­Sue Park toured opened their visit to Yad Vashem with a the Holocaust History Museum and the Valley commemoration of Holocaust survivor Walter of the Communities. Born in Ozorkow, Poland, Kase, z”l. Yad Vashem Sponsor Steve Finkelman Mr. Warski survived the Lodz ghetto as well as (center) and Yad Vashem Builder Benjamin the Auschwitz and Mauthausen death camps. ■ Warren (right) shared insights about the legacy On a recent visit to Yad Vashem with his Many members of his family were murdered of this esteemed community member, and wife Niza Shprung (left), Holocaust survivor in the Holocaust. and Yad Vashem Builder Ernst Hacker (right) received from Shaya Ben Yehuda (left) a copy rekindled the eternal flame during the Holocaust of Mr. Kase’s prisoner card from Mauthausen, Remembrance Day Memorial Ceremony in the which is held in Yad Vashem’s Archives. Hall of Remembrance.

■ During a recent visit to Yad Vashem, Myra ■ Dr. Hyman Penn (center) and his wife Lynn and Mike Gilfix and their children were given ■ Yad Vashem Benefactor Mark Moskowitz Gordon (right) took a full day to tour Yad a special behind-the-scenes presentation in the (second from right) laid a wreath on behalf of Vashem, including behind-the-scenes visits of Archives with Shaya Ben Yehuda. the American Society for Yad Vashem at the the Archives, the Valley of the Communities and Holocaust Remembrance Day Wreath-Laying the International School for Holocaust Studies. Ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance. He Director of the Artifacts Department Michael was joined by his mother, survivor Rose Tal (left) also showed them several items from Moskowitz (third from right) and family the Artifacts Collection. (left to right): Paula Moskowitz, Irene Moskowitz, Jake Moskowitz and Julia Gordon.

friends worldwide 25 Friends Worldwide

■ Josh Troderman (left) visited Yad Vashem ■ The American Society’s Young Leadership ■ The American Society’s Education Department with American Society Development Director Associates (YLA) 2015 Winter Gala was held held its 17th Conference on Holocaust Education S. Isaac Mekel. Mr. Troderman toured the on 26 February at the Metropolitan Pavilion, on 22 March 2015 at the Ramaz Middle School Holocaust History Museum and took a behind-the- NY, with the participation of 600-700 young in New York City. This conference, organized scenes look at Yad Vashem’s Archives with Sara singles and couples. The event highlighted Yad by American Society Director of Education Pechanec (right), daughter of Righteous Among Vashem’s “Auschwitz Album: The Story of a Dr. Marlene W. Yahalom and created by the Nations Mustafa and Zejneba Hardaga. Transport” traveling exhibit, providing the guests Executive Board Member Caroline Massel, was with an additional viewpoint of the tragedy recently awarded the 2015 President’s Award for of the Shoah. Pictured: Chairs and Committee its contributions to Social Studies education and Members of the YLA 2015 Winter Gala for implementing best practices in Holocaust Studies. Left to right: Helene Alalouf, Caroline Massel, YLA Co-Chair Abbi Halpern, Prof. Karen Shawn, Dr. Marlene W. Yahalom, Association of Teachers of Social Studies / United Federation of Teachers Past President Caroline Herbst, American Society Executive Director Dr. Ron Meier, YLA Co-Chair Barry Levine ■ Yad Vashem’s traveling exhibition “Private Tolkatchev at the Gates of Hell” was one of the main attractions at this year’s Limmud FSU ■ In March 2015, the YLA hosted a dinner at conference in New York. American Society Prime at the Bentley, NY, co-chaired by Jackie Executive Director Dr. Ron Meier (left) was in Carter (right) and Alexandra Lebovits (left). attendance alongside (left to right): Chairman The evening featured a conversation with of Limmud FSU Matthew Bronfman, Chairman Eli Rosenbaum (center), the longest serving of the Limmud FSU Executive Committee prosecutor and investigator of Nazi criminals and and representative of the Claims Conference other perpetrators of human rights violations in Chaim Chesler and President of Israel Bonds world history, who worked at the United States Izzy Tapoochi. Department of Justice for almost 25 years. ■ During their recent visit to Yad Vashem, Mary and Jonathan Aaron (left) viewed the Artifacts Collection with Director of the Artifacts Department Michael Tal. They also met with Shulamit Imber, Pedagogical Director of the International School for Holocaust Studies and Fred Hillman Chair in Memory of Janusz Korczak. The Aarons then met with Chairman ■ The National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Avner Shalev, American Society Development ■ In April 2015, the YLA held a dinner at Georgia displayed Yad Vashem’s traveling Director S. Isaac Mekel (right) and International Bowery Chabad House, NY, co-chaired by Josh exhibition “Architecture of Murder: The Relations Division Managing Director Shaya Gelnick and Michael Shmuely. The attendees Auschwitz-Birkenau Blueprints” as part of their Ben Yehuda. were treated to a presentation by Former Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony. This Director of Yad Vashem’s Righteous Among partnership, initiated by Yad Vashem Trustee the Nations Department and Current Adjunct Robert Book and implemented with the help Visiting Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva of Col. (ret.) Greg Camp, has helped teach new University, Dr. Mordecai Paldiel. Left to right: audiences about the events and meanings of Barry Levine, Abbi Halpern, Michael Shmuely, the Holocaust. Josh Gelnick

26 friends worldwide GERMANY & LIECHTENSTEIN

■ The American Society for Yad Vashem held ■ Some 120 students of varied faiths and ■ Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Mr. a cocktail reception at the home of Caroline cultures from five secondary schools across Rafael Barak, lit a candle on the Yad Vashem and Daniel Katz (right) in Boca Raton, Florida. Ontario and Quebec were brought together with menorah at the National Holocaust Remembrance At the event, Holocaust survivor Louis Koplin eleven Holocaust survivors by the Canadian Day Ceremony at the Canadian War Museum (second from left) shared his testimony, and Society for its “Ambassadors of Change” in Ottawa to commemorate the 1.5 million James Fry (back, center) presented the legacy program to hear the stories of the survivors Jewish children who were murdered in the of his father, Righteous Among the Nations and discuss the relevance of the Holocaust in Shoah. Assisting him were Minister of Transport Varian Fry. Chairman Leonard Wilf (left) and today’s world. the Hon. Lisa Raitt, Associate Minister of American Society Board Member Shelly Pechter National Defence the Hon. Julian Fantino, Himmelrich (third from right) participated in Minister of State the Hon. John Duncan and the event. Yad Vashem Benefactor Jack Pechter Minister of State (Multiculturalism) the Hon. Tim (third from left) was also in attendance. Uppal. Also pictured is Yaron Ashkenazi (right).

■ At the 2015 National Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony, organized by the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem, Minister of National CANADA Defence and of Multiculturalism, the Hon. Jason Kenney, lit a candle in memory of ■ At the 2015 Queen’s Park Tribute to Holocaust the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah. ■ Guardians of Yad Vashem William and Linda Survivors, coordinated by the Canadian Joining him were supporters of Yad Vashem: Hechter (right) examined the Nuremberg Trials Society for Yad Vashem and the Premier’s Holocaust survivor Victor David, Carole and Album they donated to Yad Vashem during office, Premier Kathleen Wynne recognized 12 Howard Tanenbaum, Holocaust survivor Joe their December 2014 visit with their friends Holocaust survivors for rebuilding their lives Gottdenker, RBC (which sponsored the event) Hiroyuki and Harumi Kamano. after the Shoah and contributing to the province representative Tyler Bogues, Senator Linda of Ontario. Left to right: George Landesman, Frum and Lou Greenbaum. Manny Langer, Jan Blumenstein, Max Iland, Premier Wynne, Minister Eric Hoskins, George Stern, Martin Kulbak, Israel’s Consul General to Toronto DJ Schneeweiss, Gitta Ganz, Dave Gold, Norman Srebrolow, Canadian Society National Chair Fran Sonshine, MPP Monte Kwinter, Canadian Society Executive Director Yaron Ashkenazi. Front: Lore Jacobs

■ Yad Vashem Builders Mark and Anne Mandell had a memorable visit to Yad Vashem with their ■ Guardians of Yad Vashem Marc and Michelle family in October 2014, including their son Elie Moll visited Yad Vashem in April 2015, along Teitelman and their granddaughter’s husband with their daughters Melissa and Amanda, Avrom Mordechai Goldman. Helen Scolnick and Joel Axelrod.

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AUSTRALIA UK SINGAPORE ■ Australian Friends of Yad Vashem President ■ During her visit to Yad Vashem on 25 March, ■ Philip Ong visited the Holocaust History Joey Borensztajn (center) and Committee Hanna Nyman (second from left) unveiled a Museum and Children's Memorial on 30 members Natalie Herscu (left) and Ellie Ajzner plaque commemorating her recent commitment January, along with his wife Elizabeth and (right) display Yad Vashem brochures at their to the Chuno and Blima Najmann Educational daughter An-gian. stand during the Melbourne “One Voice” Festival Achievement Awards. on 15 March 2015. The Festival celebrates the diverse, unique and vibrant Jewish community of the city of Melbourne, Australia.

■ On 2 February, the Yad Vashem-UK Foundation hosted a well-attended and inspiring SWITZERLAND Dinner at the St. Johns Wood Synagogue. Guest ■ During his visit to Yad Vashem on 15 January, ■ Jacov and Rita Weinberg (second and third speaker Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger addressed the Samuel Wennek toured the Art Museum with from left), together with Cantor Shimon and audience on his transition from learning that he Curator and Art Department Director Eliad Veronika Farkas (right) attended the Holocaust was the son of a war-decorated Nazi to becoming Moreh-Rosenberg. Remembrance Day State Opening Ceremony Jewish, making aliya and serving in the Israeli at Yad Vashem on 15 April, accompanied by army. Pictured: Yad Vashem Benefactor Michael International Relations Division Managing Gee (right) with Yad Vashem-UK Foundation Director Shaya Ben Yehuda (left). Chair Simon Bentley

GERMANY ■ A ceremony honoring Righteous Among the Nations was held on 15 December 2014 at the Supreme Court building in Berlin. The ■ Prof. Louis and Wendy Waller were ■ Isaac (center) and Myrna Kaye (second from ceremony was attended by the families of the accompanied by Director of the English Language left) visited the Holocaust History Museum on Righteous and the Holocaust survivors they Desk in the International Relations Division 11 March with their friends Gavyn Davies OBE rescued, Israel’s Ambassador to Germany Searle Brajtman (center) to the Holocaust (right) and his wife Baroness Sue Nye (left). H.E. Mr. Yaakov Hadas-Handelsman, Remembrance Day State Opening Ceremony. Chairperson of the Society of Friends of Yad Vashem in Germany Hildegard Müller and other dignitaries. The Keynote Speaker was Prof. Dr. Jan Philip Reemtsma.

28 friends worldwide FRANCE AUSTRIA NETHERLANDS ■ A delegation of French mayors of cities ■ On 2 March 2015, over 250 members and ■ Yad Vashem Benefactor Paul Baan (second with memorials dedicated to the Righteous supporters of the Friends of Yad Vashem in from left) visited Yad Vashem on 1 April 2015 Among the Nations took part in the Holocaust Austria joined the General Assembly in the with Noaber Foundation Board members Rutger Remembrance Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony ballroom of the Academy of Sciences in Vienna. Baan, Laurens van der Tang, Matthijs Blokhuis in the Hall of Remembrance. President of the The Keynote Address was given by Head of the and Gerard Honkoop. The group met with “Reseau Villes et Villages” Thiery Vinçon and International Institute for Holocaust Research Director of the Yad Vashem Archives and Fred Mayor of Nice Martine Ouaknine laid a wreath and John Najmann Chair for Holocaust Studies Hillman Chair for Holocaust Documentation on behalf of the entire delegation, which also Prof. Dan Michman. Dr. Haim Gertner, Yad Vashem CIO Michael included: Robert Cotte, Danielle Dard, Henri Guests included: Austrian Minister for Lieber, International Relations Division Dreyfus, Brigitte Garenger-Rousseau, Alain Social Affairs, Labor and Consumer Protection Managing Director Shaya Ben Yehuda and Gremillon, Jean-Yves Houssemaine, Philippe Rudolf Hundstorfer, Israel’s Ambassador Director of the French-Speaking Countries and Lacampagne, Yves Lamartres, Daniel Maillard, to Austria H.E. Mr. Zvi Heifetz, Hungarian Benelux Desk Miry Gross. Jacques Marsac, Daniel Moitie and Danielle Ambassador to Austria H.E. Dr. János Perényi, Valero. International Relations Division Director of German-Speaking Countries and German Swiss Desk Arik Rav-On and Austrian Friends Chair Günther Schuster.

■ Members of the Friends of Yad Vashem in the Netherlands received an award for their role in preserving the memory of the Holocaust and its transmission to future generations. Front row, ■ Members of the French Friends of Yad left to right: Netherlands Friends Treasurer Joop Vashem were joined by Israel’s Leader of the Waterman and Board Member Dr. Bloeme Evers, Opposition Itzhak Herzog in Warsaw Ghetto Israel’s Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E. Mr. Square following the Holocaust Remembrance Chaim Divon, Netherlands Friends Chairman Day State Opening Ceremony. Left to right: LIECHTENSTEIN Joop Levy and Secretary Bettie Lievendag. Back Thierry Librati, Patricia Fazel, Willy Fazel, ■ On 27 January, more than 50 guests, row, left to right: Netherlands Friends Board Itzhak Herzog, Raphael Darlet, Maxi Librati, including several Members of Parliament, marked Member Abby Israëls and Vice Chair Lea Jacobs. Martine Ejnes, Director of the International International Holocaust Remembrance Day at Relations Division French-Speaking Countries the Liechtenstein National Museum. After an and Benelux Desk Miry Gross, Helena Litvak- introductory speech by Society of Friends of Rusk, Laura Rusk, Omer Goralik Yad Vashem in Liechtenstein Chairperson Dr. Florian Marxer, the Society’s Honorary President Evelyne Bermann spoke about the importance of Holocaust remembrance today.

COSTA RICA ■ Dr. Max Gutreiman visited Yad Vashem in February, joined by his wife and son.

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SPANISH-SPEAKING MEXICO ■ The Kugler family was joined by their extended family and friends and Perla Hazan ■ COUNTRIES Diana and Moises Mercado (first and fourth on the occasion of the bar mitzvah of Max from left) visited Yad Vashem on the occasion ■ Kugler (center). Attending the Holocaust Remembrance Day of the bat and bar mitzvah of their daughter Opening Ceremony were (left to right): Sara and Naomi and son Abraham (second and third Rodney Weisleder (Costa Rica), Dalia Grinbaum from left). and Sergio Starosielski (Argentina), Claudio Rusak (Argentina), Eva Saraga (Mexico), Director of the Latin-American, Spain, Portugal and Miami Spanish-Speaking Friends Desk Perla Hazan, Saul and Silvia Befeler (Costa Rica), Joan Dachner (Costa Rica), Vivian Senerman and Philip Unger (Costa Rica), Ruthie and Henry Horvath (Ecuador) and Yair Naturman. ■ During his visit to Yad Vashem in March, a plaque was unveiled in honor of Aharon ■ Vicky (fourth from left) and Ariel Picker (third Szkolnik’s late father. from left) visited Yad Vashem in April on the occasion of the bar mitzvah of their son Alan (second from right). They were joined by Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau (right) and members of their family, as well as Director of the Latin- America, Spain, Portugal and Miami Spanish- Speaking Desk Perla Hazan and International ARGENTINA Relations Division Managing Director Shaya ■ Beatriz and Roberto Wolff visited Yad Vashem Ben Yehuda. A plaque was unveiled in their in February, joined by their granddaughter. honor at the Museum.

CHRISTIAN DESK in partnership with ICEJ ■ Left to right: ICEJ Executive Director Dr. Juergen Buehler, Vesna Buehler, ICEJ General Manager Barry Denison and International Relations Division Managing Director Shaya Ben Yehuda at the Holocaust Remembrance Day State Opening Ceremony PERU VENEZUELA ■ ■ Clara (center) and Adolfo Weinstein (right) Orly and José Cohen and Orly’s parents Nira and their children visited Yad Vashem in and Jaime Meir (right and left) were joined by February. They were joined by Director of the their extended family and friends and Director Latin-America, Spain, Portugal and Miami of the Latin-America, Spain, Portugal and Miami Spanish-Speaking Desk Perla Hazan (left). Spanish-Speaking Desk Perla Hazan on the occasion of the bar mitzvah of Samuel Cohen Meir (second from right).

30 Friends Worldwide ■ On 24-25 March 2015, Christian leaders and SWEDEN ■ The management of Yad Vashem major PR experts from the USA met at Yad Vashem supporter Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) to discuss the best ways of educating about the ■ Georg and Elisabeth Citrom of the Holocaust participated in the Holocaust Remembrance Holocaust and promoting Yad Vashem within Survivors Association, Sweden standing among Day State Opening Ceremony on 15 April. the Christian communities. Participants met the wreaths in the Hall of Remembrance Left to right: GPG Chairman Gennady Gazin, with various department heads, followed by GPG-Israel Regional Director Anna Perelman, discussions to develop new strategies. Arie Zuckerman, Yad Vashem Director General Dorit Novak, GPG Chief Executive Officer Ilia Salita

RUSSIA ■ Vice-President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Dr. Michael Mirilashvili and Laura ■ Pastor Mark Jenkins and Terrie Jenkins Mirilashvili with Yad Vashem Chairman of the (right) with Shaya Ben Yehuda and Director of Directorate Avner Shalev (second from right), the Christian Friends of Yad Vashem Dr. Susanna Special Advisor to the Chairman of the Directorate Kokkonen at the Holocaust Remembrance Day Arie Zuckerman (right) and Meni Bushuev, State Opening Ceremony Personal Assistant to Dr. Mirilashvili (left)

Your Support Helps Make a Difference All of the activities, projects and events which you have just read about are made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors. In these difficult times, when there is a worrying rise in antisemitism around the world, Yad Vashem is doubling its efforts to commemorate the Holocaust, disseminate its universal implications and strengthen Jewish continuity. Yad Vashem is deeply grateful for your generosity in supporting its vital work and welcomes both new friends and established supporters as partners in our shared mission. ■ To make tax-deductible donations: ■ Donations may also be sent to: USA: UK: International Relations Division, American Society for Yad Vashem Yad Vashem - UK Foundation Yad Vashem, PO Box 3477, 500 Fifth Avenue, 42nd Floor Stirling House, Breasy Place, 9 Burroughs Gardens Jerusalem 9103401, Israel New York, NY 10110 London NW4 4AU Tel: +972-2-6443420 Tel: 1-800-310-7495 or 212-220-4304 Tel: 020-8359-1146 [email protected] ■ CANADA: AUSTRALIA: For information on societies Canadian Society for Yad Vashem Australian Friends of Yad Vashem in other countries, 265 Rimrock Road, Suite 218 c/o Jewish Holocaust Centre,13-15 Selwyn Street please visit: www.yadvashem.org Toronto, ON M3J 3C6 Elsternwick, VIC 3185 Tel: 416-785-1333 email: [email protected] Donate online: www.yadvashem.org www.yad vashem.org text 31 The International Institute for Holocaust Research: Publications

Fighting for Her People: Zivia Lubetkin, 1914–1978 It Kept Us Alive: Humor in the Holocaust Bella Gutterman Chaya Ostrower NIS 174 NIS 128 NIS 174 NIS 128 ■ Zivia Lubetkin’s determined personality was ■ Humor and laughter can help strengthen formed during her childhood in Byten, Poland. and heal mental and physical health, but can it Standing out in the training communes of the assist in dealing with a trauma as severe as the Freiheit, she became Holocaust? This book demonstrates how humor one of its foremost activists. With the onset of helped in coping with the terrible reality of the WWII, she turned into an inspired and courageous Shoah. Interviews with survivors describe horrific leader in the Zionist underground in the territories events, intertwined with macabre humor. The of the Soviet Union and in the Warsaw ghetto author classifies the types of humor, and studies as well as during the Polish uprisings. Later their functions in the ghettos, concentration still, she and her husband Yitzhak (Antek) camps and death camps. Included in the book Zuckermann led the efforts to rehabilitate the Holocaust survivors, and are humorous ditties, songs and cabaret sketches, as well as the unique established Kibbutz Lohamei Hagetaot. This book constitutes the first stories of two ghetto clowns. comprehensive research into the life of one of the more outstanding and impressive figures in modern Jewish history – a woman known simply as “Zivia." Remembering Regina: My Journey to Freedom Fanny Bienenfeld Lust Search and Research: Lectures and Papers 21 NIS 74 NIS 56 Conceptualizing the Unconceptualized Preliminary ■ Fanny Bienenfeld and her family moved from Study on the Booklet La Vida de Adolf Hitler: Tarnow, Poland, to Berlin in 1930, but returned to El Haman Moderno, Salonika, 1933: Text and Krakow shortly before the outbreak of WWII. A Context series of events set in motion the family’s flight from Europe. This book describes the life of Fanny Shmuel Refael and her family in Europe and their remarkable NIS 36 NIS 27 escape, orchestrated by Fanny’s mother, Regina. ■ La Vida de Adolf Hitler: El Haman Moderno, a By air, land, and sea, the family crisscrossed their 30-page tract in Ladino published in Salonika in way to freedom through Trieste and Genoa in 1933, contains a hitherto unknown and surprising Italy, Tangier (Morocco), back to Seville, on to biography of Adolf Hitler. The author subjects the Lisbon, and, finally, to the US. booklet to socio-literary investigation, traces the circumstances under which the work was written, and follows the Ladino press and its reportage on Tin Soldier in a Cardboard Box: A Young Boy in Hitler’s accession to power and events in Europe. Hiding – Austria-Belgium-France This study sheds new light on the history of the Ari Livne Jewish community of Salonika long before it NIS 74 NIS 56 was deported in the death trains to the extermination camps in Poland in the spring of 1943. ■ Born in Vienna, Henri (Ari Livne)’s life changed irrevocably when he was eight years old. After escaping with his parents to Belgium and several years of avoiding arrest, Henri was taken in by “Aunt Angele,” a local woman living in Nazi- occupied Brussels. Henri adopted a false identity as a French-speaking Christian boy. His knack of To order these and other Yad Vashem publications: staying calm under pressure, his acting abilities Tel. 972-2-6443511, Fax 972-2-6443509 [email protected] and his improvisation skills helped him escape from Or purchase through our online store: www.yadvashem.org near-fatal traps time and again. With psychological depth and unrelenting tension, the complex relationship between the author’s adopted and real identities comes to the fore in the descriptions ■ of his daily fight for survival. Yad Vashem Jerusalem Magazine P.O. Box 3477, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel Tel: 972-2-644-3413, Fax: 972-2-6443409 [email protected] www.yadvashem.org | Tel: 972-2-644-3400